Connecting balanced output of TL to unbalanced fx input

[cpiquette]

Can someone point me to a wiring diagram for the proper way to make a balanced 1/4" to unbalanced 1/4"? I know rane has a document with a bunch of diagrams, but there are 2 for this application, and I'm not sure which I should use... I am trying to properly take the balanced output of the TL to go into the unbalanced mono input of my line 6 echo pro. I would like to ensure I'm hooked up correctly to avoid any potential issues down the road. Currently, I am using a balanced cable between the units, and a balanced 1/4" to XLR on the output. This certainly seems to be working fine, but when the echo pro sees a balanced connector on the input, it assumes it's a stereo signal. Not sure if this is doing something funky to my signal... What do y'all think?

 

[sysexguy]

The balanced signal is actually the same signal 2x with opposite phase. This is great to send to a balanced input as any noise accumulated along the cable cancels especially for longer travels. The same signal into a stereo effect input will most likely be somewhere between weird and horrible.

The best solution is to simply use a regular unbalanced 1/4-1/4 to run between the Live and the L6. Both units will be entirely happy with the signal and do what they do best. Use a cable that's short enough to avoid coiling it up in the rack and long enough so both units can be connected without any stress on the plugs or cables.

 

[cpiquette]

Thanks for your reply Andy. I would ideally like to keep my signal path in the balanced realm so that I can eliminate the need for an extra DI box for sending to FOH. If I were to use a 1/4" TRS cable that splits out to dual XLR connectors, would this work ok? Or would the left and right sides still be seeing out of phase signals?

 

[sysexguy]

your echo pro has balanced outputs so you can go direct to FOH via those without ancillary equipment.

If you need to go balanced in to the echo pro and run stereo you will need a TRS to 2 x XLR(m) "y" cable which you will not likely find stock.....perhaps contact Redco or another custom cable house.

Wiring is really simple, both pin 2's go to tip, both pin 3 to ring, sleeve to both pin 1's. It may be best to float one of the pin ones, depending on the Live 6's architecture.

I would just run the cable between the Torpedo and the echo Pro unbalanced to the mono in.